John Paul Bettag “Sparky”, 83, of Mariah Hill, passed away on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children.
John was born in Spencer County on December 18, 1940, to the late Paul and Verena (Daunhauer) Bettag. John served in the United States Army in Berlin, Germany. He was a heavy equipment operator for most of his life and a jack of all trades. He loved watching his grandkids in their extracurricular activities. John also enjoyed watching a Colts football game or a Reds baseball game. One of Sparky’s favorite hobbies was working puzzles. He also enjoyed his Annual Sparky’s Horseshoe Tournaments, a favorite for years.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson Zach Hulsman.
John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elaine (Werne) Bettag; his children, Tricia Hulsman and her husband Steve, of Birdseye, Darin Bettag and his wife Lisa, of Grandview, Tina Luebbehusen and her husband Jeff, of Mariah Hill, and Stu Bettag and his wife Casey, of Ferdinand; his grandchildren, Katara Kramer (Chris), Hanna Bettag, Kyle Luebbehusen (Mia), Caleb Bettag (Emma), Whitney Ridener (Bryce), Jacob Bettag, Jaden Bettag and Sydney Bettag; great-grandchildren, Brooks Kramer, Rylyn Kramer and Ivy Ridener; siblings, Ralph Bettag (Kathy) of Fulda; Peg Hawhee of Cannelton, Rosie Konerding of Chrisney, Paulette Bretz (Charlie) of Newburgh and Tom Bettag of Mariah Hill; and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, as well as many, many friends.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, December 23 at 9 a.m. CST in Mary Help of Christians Church. Ferdinand Legion Post 124 will provide military graveside rites in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. CST and on Saturday from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. CST. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com.
